Kazakhstan is set to the “Neo Nomad” visainviting digital nomads and remote workers in the technology sector to live and work in this Central Asian country for up to a year.
This country may not be the first place that comes to mind when digital nomads are looking for their next destination, but it is quickly gaining ground as a remote work destination thanks to its improved internet infrastructure, a growing network of coworking spaces, and affordable costs of livelihood. .
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the east, Kazakhstan offers an attractive base for remote workers looking to explore Asia, thanks to its relative proximity to Bali, Thailand, the Philippines, India and Nepal.
In addition to its location, this country is home to breathtaking natural wonders – from vast steppes to breathtaking mountain ranges and alpine blue lakes – giving digital nomads plenty of opportunities to explore nature after work.
To be a successful applicant, you must work for foreign clients or employers and be able to demonstrate a monthly income of at least USD 3,000.
Additionally, digital nomads must provide proof of comprehensive health insurance and a clean criminal record.
It is worth noting that this visa is primarily aimed at digital nomads in areas such as finance, programming, marketing, e-commerce and consultancy – a bit strange, considering that people with this visa are not allowed to work for Kazakhstani companies.
The government estimates the revenue to be over $7.3 million if just 500 digital nomads are granted the Neo Nomad visa. as it would boost tourism and increase local business income.
In return, authorities plan to offer a competitive visa program.
“As a result of joint efforts by the Ministries of Tourism and Sports, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and several other government agencies, Kazakhstan is now on the travel map for modern nomads. There are more than 35 million digital nomads worldwide and we aim to create ideal conditions to attract them to Kazakhstan,” said Yerbol Myrzabossynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports. (ANI)
Myrzabossynov also highlighted Almaty and Astana as the most interesting cities for digital nomads and remote workers, among 150 potential destinations for this target group.
For those less familiar with these cities, they are known for offering a special mix of modern amenities and cultural depth that is uncommon in emerging remote work destinations.
The country’s former capital, Almaty is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by towering mountains and provides the perfect backdrop for its vibrant cafe culture and vibrant arts scene.
In contrast, Astana, also known as the futuristic new capital, showcases stunning architecture and offers a taste of Kazakhstan’s forward-looking vision.
Whichever city you choose, both offer reliable, high-speed internet, international dining options, modern coworking spaces and a growing number of events for remote workers and tech professionals.
The government has not announced the exact date this visa will be available, but it is expected to launch in early 2025.
Stay tuned for updates.